Sub 5513 or 5512?

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I just realized that all my watches are Omega. Plan on filling the last spot of my watch box with a Rolex. However, non of the modern Rolex has the charm vintage ones have.
I really like a 5513 or a 5512. World's most loved spy vs king of cool. Decisions decisions. I know a good example is hard to come by and it'll cost me a leg. So I'm gonna be patient and take my time.
Would you rather go for the 5513 or 5512 if you were to pick one? What are your thoughts?
 
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No need to be patient for a matte 5513 from the late 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s; nice ones are readily available if you're ready to pay the market price. Huge numbers were made, and they are all over the place. Meters first, serif, non-serif, maxi-dial, etc.

I don't know the actual numbers, but I think it's pretty clear than many fewer 5512s were made, and they are harder to find. Obviously they are more desirable, but also more expensive and uncommon.
 
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I agree the 5513 maxi dial is the bomb. If I ever get into older watches, that would be my first purchase.
 
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I was after a matte 5513 for a while, but the variety of fakes, assemble or prepared ones really put me off...and somehow the mad price development. If money is no subject, go and buy one from a trusted source..otherwise I wouldn't.
I then found a "sleeper", a transitional first generation 5513 with glossy dial. "Decent" price, beautiful, I love the combination of plexi and the glossy dial. You can find these easily and still for reasonable money.
Edited:
 
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I love the 5513 but have to be a minority preferring the version with the white gold markers from the 80's.
 
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I was after a matte 5513 for a while, but the variety of fakes, assemble or prepared ones really put me off...and somehow the mad price development. If money is no subject, go and buy one from a trusted source..otherwise I wouldn't.

This has been my issue too with 5513 as well as several other vintage Rolex models, I don't feel well confident enough to risk the kind of money that is being asked for them, so I have stayed clear of them.

I'll just wait for my "modern" Rolex watches to become vintage 😀
 
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Broth are great references and visibility very similar. There is a premium for the 5512 due to limited production. Find one that best fits your budget. As stated, the maxi dials of the late 70’s are highly desirable.

My 5512 MK3 w/B&Ps

 
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I love the 5513 but have to be a minority preferring the version with the white gold markers from the 80's.
I honestly don’t mind a late 80s white gold surround markers.
 
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What about 5513 or 5512 with a service dial?
Or if I get one beat up 5513 and have it serviced by Rolex?
 
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I'd stay away from service dials, just wait until the right one comes along....
 
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I thought I would prefer to own a 5512, but ended up jumping on a 5513 maxi that checked all the boxes. I don't ever really think about 5512s anymore.

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A nice 14060 with tritium dial. Bomb proof, reasonably priced and very serviceable. I regret selling mine.......
 
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A nice 14060 with tritium dial. Bomb proof, reasonably priced and very serviceable. I regret selling mine.......
That’s my contingency plan.
 
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I honestly don’t mind a late 80s white gold surround markers.

Just say no...you will thank us later.

5513 is the more desirable piece with the clean 2-line dial...5512 is my personal favorite as many have a hacking movement. If your budget allows either is far more desirable and will hold value better than the later model with white gold markers. Personally if it was my first Submariner I would go for a 5513...one of the most beautiful and simple watches ever produced. Built like a tank, and because of this easy to find in excellent condition.

If I had to sell off my collection, this would be the one piece that would stay till the end.
 
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Just say no...you will thank us later.

5513 is the more desirable piece with the clean 2-line dial...5512 is my personal favorite as many have a hacking movement. If your budget allows either is far more desirable and will hold value better than the later model with white gold markers. Personally if it was my first Submariner I would go for a 5513...one of the most beautiful and simple watches ever produced. Built like a tank, and because of this easy to find in excellent condition.

If I had to sell off my collection, this would be the one piece that would stay till the end.
If I were to get one with white gold surround markers I’d rather get a 14060 with tritium dial. They look almost identical to me.
 
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If I were to get one with white gold surround markers I’d rather get a 14060 with tritium dial. They look almost identical to me.

identical to what?
a 5513 is far more collectable and desirable.